Repeat After Me! Improve your IELTS Speaking score through speech shadowing!

Category: Part 2

  • Lesson 107: A gift of money💰

    This week, you will use the following cue card to train for Part 2 of IELTS Speaking:

    Describe a time when you received money as a gift from a family member. You should say
    -when you received the gift
    -why you received it
    -what you did with the money
    -and explain how you felt after receiving the gift

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: Work through the sample exercise in the below podcast episode.

    Step 3: (Full lesson temporarily unavailable.)

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript.

    Step 5: Complete the speech exercises with your Whatsapp instructor.

    Transcript

    Describe a time when you received money as a gift from a family member. You should say
    -when you received the gift
    -why you received it
    -what you did with the money
    -and explain how you felt after receiving the gift

    On my last birthday, my grandmother surprised me with a generous sum of money as a gift. It was a delightful and unexpected gesture from her, and she explained that she wanted me to use the money in any way I pleased.

    After receiving the gift, I carefully considered how to utilise the money in a way that would be both meaningful and memorable. I wanted to make sure it would have a lasting impact on my life. Therefore, I decided to invest a portion of the money in my education. I enrolled myself in an online course that I had been eyeing for a while. This course was directly related to my career aspirations, and I knew it would enhance my skills and open up new opportunities for me in the future.

    Additionally, I decided to allocate a portion of the money towards a long-awaited vacation. I had been longing to take a break and explore a new destination. With the financial gift from my grandmother, I was able to book a trip to a picturesque beach resort. It was an incredible experience, allowing me to relax, rejuvenate, and create beautiful memories.

    Receiving such a generous gift from my grandmother made me feel an immense sense of gratitude and appreciation. It was not just about the monetary value of the gift but also the thought and love behind it. Knowing that my grandmother cared about my dreams and aspirations, and wanted to contribute to my personal growth, touched me deeply. I will always cherish that memorable day and the impact this gift had on my life.

  • Lesson 105: A daily routine🤞

    This week examines an extremely common IELTS Speaking topic! You will train to speak about a daily routine.

    Let’s start the lesson by looking at the following IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card:

    Describe a daily routine in your life. You should say:
    -what you do
    -when you started doing it
    -why you do this routine
    -and explain whether you will change it in the future and why

    Now work your way through the below steps. Be sure to note any and all new language you come across in your notebook.

    Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (video version available below).

    Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

    Step 3: Complete this week’s full exercise.

    Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

    Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
    “I would like to talk about my daily exercise routine, which has become an integral part of my life. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate a significant amount of time to physical exercise, helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
    Chat on WhatsApp

    Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

    Transcript

    Describe a daily routine in your life. You should say:
    -what you do
    -when you started doing it
    -why you do this routine
    -and explain whether you will change it in the future and why

    I would like to talk about my daily exercise routine, which has become an integral part of my life. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate a significant amount of time to physical exercise, helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle.

    I started this routine approximately five years ago when I realised the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being. Initially, it was a challenge to incorporate exercise into my daily schedule, but with time and perseverance, it has become an essential habit. I usually engage in a combination of cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging or cycling, followed by strength training exercises using weights or resistance bands.

    There are several reasons why I adhere to this routine religiously. Firstly, physical exercise helps me stay fit and energetic throughout the day. It boosts my metabolism, improves my stamina, and enhances my overall physical endurance. Further, exercise also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for preventing lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Moreover, regular exercise has been proven to have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of well-being and happiness.

    Considering the immense benefits I have experienced over the years, I have no plans to change this routine in the foreseeable future. The positive impact it has had on my overall health and well-being is too significant to overlook. Because the benefits I have gained from this routine have greatly exceeded my expectations, I firmly believe that daily exercise will remain a vital aspect of my life.

  • Lesson 104: A person you would like to work or study with👨‍🏫

    This week’s lesson uses the following Part 2 cue card:

    Talk about a person you want to work or study with. You should say:
    -who the person is
    -how you know him/her
    -what he/she does
    -and explain why you want to work or study with this person

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: Work through this week’s sample exercise.

    Step 3: Now attempt the full exercise below.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note any and all language you found challenging this week.

    Step 5: Complete your speech samples and send them to your Whatsapp instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Talk about a person you want to work or study with. You should say:
    -who the person is
    -how you know him/her
    -what he/she does
    -and explain why you want to work or study with this person

    The person I would like to work or study with is my former professor, Dr. Maria Hernandez. I got to know her during my undergraduate years at university, where she was my lecturer for several courses related to my major in psychology.

    Dr. Hernandez is an accomplished academic with over 20 years of experience in teaching and research. She has published numerous papers in top-tier academic journals and has received multiple awards and accolades for her contributions to the field. Her research interests in social psychology, particularly on group dynamics and intergroup relations, align with my own research interests and aspirations.

    I would love to work or study with Dr. Hernandez for several reasons. First, she is an excellent mentor who is supportive and encouraging. She has always been approachable and responsive to my questions and concerns, and has provided invaluable guidance and feedback on my academic work. Second, her research expertise and experience would be a valuable asset for any project or collaboration. Working with her would not only enhance my own skills and knowledge, but also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with other scholars in the field. Finally, Dr. Hernandez’s passion for teaching and learning is infectious, and I am confident that working or studying with her would be a stimulating and rewarding experience.

    In conclusion, Dr. Maria Hernandez’s expertise, mentorship, and passion for teaching and research would be invaluable in achieving my academic and professional goals, and I would relish the opportunity to collaborate with her on future projects.

  • Lesson 101: A noisy situation😖

    Is speech shadowing effective? Yes! Let this lesson about ‘a noisy situation’ convince you. Here is the Part 2 cue card we are using in today’s exercise:

    Describe a situation where you experienced a lot of noise.
    You should say:

    -Where you were
    -What made the noise
    -How the noise affected you
    -And what you did do to deal with the noise

    Part 1: First, listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: This week’s IELTSCast episode is temporarily unavailable.

    Step 3: Complete the full exercise by watching the below video.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note what you’ve learned today.

    Step 5: Submit your five speaking samples to your Whatsapp instructor and wait for their feedback.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a situation where you experienced a lot of noise.
    You should say:

    -Where you were
    -What made the noise
    -How the noise affected you
    -And what you did do to deal with the noise

    I’m going to describe a situation where I experienced a lot of noise. This happened a few months ago when I was visiting a friend who lived near a construction site. The noise was coming from the construction site, where they were building a new apartment complex.

    The construction was very loud and it affected me in a number of ways. First of all, it was difficult to carry on a conversation with my friend because we occasionally had to shout to hear each other over the noise. Additionally, the noise was so persistent that it was difficult to focus on anything else. I found myself becoming increasingly irritable and frustrated as the noise continued.

    In order to deal with the noise, we decided to leave the apartment and go for a walk in a nearby park. This helped us to get away from the noise and enjoy some peace and quiet for a while. We also wore earplugs when we were inside the apartment, which helped to reduce the noise somewhat.

    Overall, the experience was very frustrating, but I learned a lot from it. I realised how much noise can affect my mood and my ability to focus, and I have since become more aware of the noise levels in my environment. If I ever find myself in a similar situation again, I will be sure to take steps to minimise the impact of the noise on my wellbeing.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 98: A recent development in your city🏙️

    This week, you will shadow the below monologue. This is an exercise that helps you prepare for Part 2 of the exam. Here is the cue card that will be used in the exercise:

    Describe a recent development in your city.
    You should say:
    -what it is
    -where it is located
    -how long it took to complete
    -and explain how you feel about it

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: The free IELTSCast episode for this week is temporarily unavailable.

    Step 3: Complete the full speech shadowing exercise below.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note areas you need to review in the coming weeks.

    Step 5: Submit your speech samples to your Whatsapp instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a recent development in your city.
    You should say:
    -what it is
    -where it is located
    -how long it took to complete
    -and explain how you feel about it

    One recent development in my city that I would like to discuss is the construction of a new public transportation system known as ‘The Metro’. It is a much needed addition to our city’s infrastructure, providing a safe, fast, and convenient mode of transportation to commuters. The Metro is located in the heart of the city, with stations spread across major areas, and it runs on electricity, making it an environmentally friendly option.

    The construction of The Metro was a massive undertaking that took over four years to complete. The government had to acquire land, lay tracks, build stations, and install state-of-the-art equipment while ensuring minimal disruption to the existing infrastructure. Despite the many challenges faced during the construction, the end result has been worth it.

    Personally, I feel thrilled about this development. The Metro has made commuting a hassle-free experience for me and many others in the city. It has not only reduced travel time but has also provided a much needed relief from the exhausting and stressful traffic conditions that we had to endure earlier. Additionally, The Metro has reduced air pollution, making our city a healthier place to live in.

    In conclusion, the development of The Metro in my city is a positive change that has benefited many. It is a perfect example of how investing in public infrastructure can enhance the quality of life for citizens. I hope that the government will continue to invest in such developments in the future, making our city an even better place to live in.

  • Lesson 97: A leisure activity you did when you were young🏓

    This week, you will use the speech shadowing process to talk about a leisure activity you did when you were young. Here is the cue card used in today’s training:

    Describe a leisure activity that you did when you were young.

    You should say:

    -what it was

    -where you did it

    -who you did it with

    -and explain how you felt about this activity

    Part 1 and 2: These sections are temporarily unavailable.

    Part 3: Complete the full exercise below.

    Part 4: Refer to the below transcript of this week’s exercise and note any challenging language you came across.

    Part 5: Submit your own speech samples to your Whatsapp instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a leisure activity that you did when you were young.

    You should say:

    -what it was

    -where you did it

    -who you did it with

    -and explain how you felt about this activity

    When I was young, I was an avid reader. I would usually read in my bedroom, which was my favourite spot to escape into a different world. My parents were very supportive of my reading habit and they would often take me to the library or bookstore to pick out new books. I would also borrow books from my friends at school and exchange recommendations with them.

    Reading was a solitary activity for me, but it allowed me to explore different perspectives and ideas. It was a way for me to travel to different places and experience different cultures, all from the comfort of my own home. It was also a way for me to learn new things and broaden my horizons.

    I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation whenever I started a new book. I would become completely engrossed in the story and would lose track of time. Reading was a way for me to escape from reality and enter a different world, even if it was just for a little while.

    Overall, reading was a leisure activity that brought me immense pleasure and satisfaction when I was young. It allowed me to explore new ideas and perspectives, and it helped me to develop my imagination and creativity. Even now, as an adult, I still love to read and I credit my childhood reading habit for fostering a lifelong love of learning.

  • Lesson 96: A favourite area in your home🏠

    Is speech shadowing important to train fully for IELTS Speaking? Yes! It can help you refine your accent and broaden your vocabulary. Today’s exercise on the topic of ‘a favourite area in your home’ will demonstrate this.

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: This week’s IELTSCast episode is temporarily unavailable.

    Step 3: Complete the full exercise by watching the below video.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note the new language you encountered this week.

    Step 5: Submit your speaking samples to your Whatsapp instructor and wait for feedback.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe an area in your home where you feel relaxed. You should say:

    -what area or room it is
    -when you spend time in it
    -why you feel relaxed there
    -and explain what you do to relax

    The area in my home where I feel most relaxed is my bedroom. As the name suggests, it is a place where I can retire after a long day to unwind and recharge. I guess this is unsurprising, but I spend most of my time in my bedroom during the evening and night-time.

    The reason I feel so relaxed in my bedroom is because of the peaceful and cozy environment it provides. The walls are painted in pale shades of blue and green, which I find have a calming effect on my mind. The lighting is also soft and dim. This is actually by design – I bought these lamps because of the warm and inviting atmosphere they create. The furniture, including the bed and the armchair, is comfortable and soft to the touch, making it easy to sink into and relax.

    When I want to relax in my bedroom, I usually engage in activities that help me unwind. For example, I like to read a book or listen to some soothing music. Sometimes, I also like to meditate or practise yoga, as it helps me clear my mind and release any tension that may have built up during the day. If I am feeling particularly tired, I may even take a nap or get an early night’s sleep.

    Overall, my bedroom is my sanctuary, a place where I can shut out the noise of the world and focus on myself. It is a room where I can find peace and relaxation, and for that reason, it is my favourite area in my home.

  • Lesson 95: A person who dresses well👔

    This week’s English shadowing technique pushes you to speak about a person who dresses well. Here is the cue card used in this section:

    Describe a person who dresses well. You should say:
    -who the person is
    -how you know him or her
    -how often you see him or her
    -and explain why you think this person dresses well

    Step 1: Listen to the full model response.

    Step 2: This week’s IELTSCast episode is temporarily unavailable.

    Step 3: Complete the full speech shadowing exercise using the below video.

    Step 4: Read the below transcript and note the new language you encountered today.

    Step 5: Submit your five speaking samples to your Whatsapp instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a person who dresses well. You should say:
    -who the person is
    -how you know him or her
    -how often you see him or her
    -and explain why you think this person dresses well

    I would like to talk about my friend Jack who I believe has a great sense of fashion and dresses exceptionally well. Jack is a friend of mine from university, and we have known each other for over five years. We met during our freshman year, and since then we have been good friends.

    I see Jack quite often, as we are still in touch even after graduating from university. We usually hang out together every couple of weeks, and I always look forward to seeing him.

    The thing that sets Jack apart from others when it comes to fashion is his ability to mix and match different styles and create a unique look. He always seems to know what’s trendy and fashionable, but he doesn’t blindly follow trends. Instead, he adapts them to his own personal style and makes it work for him. He also pays attention to the little details, such as matching the colour of his shoes with his belt.

    Moreover, Jack’s clothes are always well-fitted, which I think is crucial for a person to dress well. His outfits are neither too tight nor too loose, and they always seem to flatter his body type. He also experiments with different colours and patterns and manages to pull them off effortlessly.

    I think Jack dresses well because he has a great sense of style, pays attention to details, and knows how to dress for his body type. He inspires me to be more adventurous with my own fashion choices, and I’m always excited to see what he’ll be wearing the next time we meet.

  • Lesson 92: A person from another culture🌎

    This week, we’re looking at a common IELTS Speaking topic: culture.

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample and familiarise yourself with this week’s target language.

    Step 2: Tune in to this week’s IELTSCast episode to practise a few sentences from the model.

    Step 3: Work through the full exercise below.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note the new language you learned this week.

    Step 5: Submit your speech samples to your Whatsapp instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Talk about a person you know from another culture, such as a friend or a teacher. You should say
    -who the person is
    -how you met him/her
    -where you met
    -and explain what you learnt about their cultural background

    I would like to talk about my friend Hiro, who is from Japan. I met Hiro in my first year of university, where we both took a course on international relations. We were assigned to work on a group project together, and that’s how we became friends.

    We met at a coffee shop near campus, where we discussed the project and got to know each other. As we worked on the project, we learned a lot about each other’s culture. Hiro shared many interesting things about Japan with me, and he opened my eyes to traditions from his homeland.

    One of the things I learned from Hiro is the importance of respect in Japanese culture. He explained how respect is a fundamental value in all aspects of life in Japan, from family and relationships to business and politics. Hiro also told me about the tradition of bowing as a sign of respect, which is something I found really interesting.

    Another thing I learned from Hiro is the importance of food in Japanese culture. He introduced me to some delicious Japanese dishes and explained the significance of certain ingredients and cooking techniques. I also learned about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which I found fascinating.

    Overall, I feel very fortunate to have met Hiro and to have learned so much about Japanese culture from him. It has given me a greater appreciation for the diversity of cultures in the world, and I feel more open-minded and eager to learn about other cultures.

  • Lesson 89: An inexpensive outing🚵

    We’re talking about ‘an inexpensive outing’ this week. Can you remember a time when you did something inexpensively?

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: This week’s IELTSCast episode is unavailable. It will be back up soon.

    Step 3: Engage the full exercise.

    Step 4: Read through this week’s transcript.

    Step 5: Complete your speech exercises with your Whatsapp instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a day out that didn’t cost much. You should say
    -where you went
    -what you did
    -what you spent money on
    -and explain whether you enjoyed the day out and why

    I recently had a day out that was both enjoyable and affordable. I went to a nearby park with a few of my friends. We all brought our own food and drinks and had a picnic on the grassy lawn. We spent the whole day playing games, like frisbee and soccer, and just enjoying each other’s company. The only money we spent was on parking, which came to about $5.

    I really loved this day for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was a beautiful day and being surrounded by nature was really peaceful and calming. Secondly, I got to spend quality time with my friends and we had so much fun playing games and just chatting. It was such a great reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life can bring the most happiness.

    Another reason I enjoyed this day out was because it was so affordable. I love going out and trying new things, but often these activities can be quite expensive. This day out showed me that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. All you need is good company and a positive attitude, and you can have an enjoyable day no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

    Overall, this day out was a really memorable experience for me, and I would definitely do it again. It was a great reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the ones that don’t cost much.